Degradation of DNA by Intense, Noncavitating Ultrasound

Abstract

Previous research leads to the conclusion that intense, noncavitating ultrasound affects tissue at the level of macromolecular structures. As an initial study of the interaction of intense sound waves and macromolecules, solutions of DNA were irradiated with noncavitating, 1-Mc/sec ultrasound at intensities in the neighborhood of 30 W/cm2. Sedimentation-velocity analysis shows that the molecular weight of the DNA is reduced. Cavitation and thermal processes can be eliminated as possible degradation mechanisms. It is suggested that relative motion between the macromolecules and the suspending medium may be the mechanism by which degradation occurs.